Hospices £40k in one day appeal

Myton said people on its waiting list will most likely die before they are admitted to one of their hospices

A hospice group is trying to raise £40,000 in 24 hours to help take in more patients after an increase in demand for beds.

The Myton Hospices said it is hoping to perform a Christmas miracle on Tuesday to help people in Coventry and Warwickshire access the care they need.

Too many people on the waiting list for a hospice bed at the facility will likely die before they can access one, a charity spokesman said.

It is appealing for donations after seeing an 11% rise in demand for inpatient units in the last 12 months. The charity said it receives 17% of its funding from the NHS and must raise £1m of its funding every month to continue providing palliative care free of charge.

"We haven't yet had to make the devastating decision to close services, and we are doing everything we can to keep it that way but costs are at an all-time high of over £1m per month and our NHS funding has fallen to just 17% of what we need to operate," a spokesperson said.

"Every donation, no matter the size, ensures we can continue providing expert, compassionate palliative and end of life care."

The charity has three hospices, in Coventry, Rugby and Warwick and cares for people above 18 living with terminal illnesses. It also runs respite services and home visits and support lines.